2023 Telluride Blues Challenge Entries Are Open
Calling all musicians, play your way to the Main Stage of the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival!
Through a partnership with Telluride Music Company and Telluride Blues Society, we are excited to present the 2023 Telluride Blues Challenge - an annual competition providing an opportunity to talented, up-and-coming blues artists to advance their professional career and play the Telluride Blues & Brews Main Stage!
How to Enter:
Solo blues musicians not signed to a major record or or publishing deal can enter by submitting two recorded songs for consideration from now until August 1, 2023. Solo vocalists are also encouraged to enter. Entries will be judged on blues content, vocals, talent, originality and overall impression. A panel of blues experts will narrow down entries and invite the top six to compete in a live final competition held on Saturday morning of the festival at a venue to be determined. Here, the judges will select the Telluride Blues Challenge Champion.
The winner will receive:
A premium Martin guitar provided by Telluride Music Company
20 minute set to perform on the Main Stage at the 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
A full 60 minute set to perform on the Blues Stage at the 2024 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
2 nights to perform on the 2024 Durango Blues Train
$300 cash prize
The Runner-Up will receive:
$200 cash prize
A performance set for the 2023 Sunday Blues for Breakfast event
All six competitors will receive a 3-Day Festival Pass, Festival T-Shirt, and $25 gift certificate provided by Telluride Music Company.
How to Watch
The Telluride Blues Challenge Finals will be held on Saturday morning from 9 am - Noon, September 17, 2023 at the Telluride Elk’s Lodge. The contest happens as part of "Blues for Breakfast" program, complete with a breakfast spread and full bar including breakfast cocktails during the event. Admission to the competition is free! Breakfast and drinks available for purchase. This event is a great way to see up-and-comers in the blues genre while starting your Saturday morning off before the Grand Tasting and music starts in the festival grounds.